The effect of energy transmission lines on forest species composition of anatolian black pine stands (A case of Çubuk regions)

Production and consumption of energy increase in parallel to increase in life quality as in the world and also in Turkiye. In order to meet this growing demand constantly, it is necessary to build reliable and cost-efficient energy facilities. Energy transmission lines, which is used to deliver energy from its source to consumers, create fire risk and have negative effects on ecosystems when passing through forested areas. In this research, it was aimed to determine the effect of energy transmission lines on the species composition of forests. The route of the energy transmission line, which passes through the north of Dağkalafak Village of Çubuk province, which were clear-cut for safety and precaution and periodically pruned, was chosen as research area. A total of 22 sample plots in the size of 10x10 m were taken from power-line corridor passing through the boundaries of Çubuk Forest Enterprise Directorate and from the forest right next to the line along the line. Vegetation sampling was carried out using Braun-Blanquet method. Sample plots which were taken from power-line corridor and forest areas were compared in terms of species diversity and composition. It was found that species diversity of the plots taken from power-line corridors were higher than the plots taken from the forest areas adjacent to the line. While periodical clear-cutting on power-line corridor created Quercus macranthera dominated vegetation, forest areas dominated by Pinus nigra. Energy transmission lines cause fragmentation on forest areas. For this reason, when planning energy transmission lines selection of appropriate routes will decrease negative effects.